Swings And Roundabouts

The news about Kevin De Bruyne missing up to three months with lateral collateral ligament damage to his right knee is a huge disappointment to Kevin, his family and millions of Blues. But, while the Belgian must be thinking his world has been turned upside down a certain Phil Foden will undoubtedly be counting his blessings.

Life is all about swings and roundabouts

I don’t want the above to sound cold or darn right sensationalist, but when someone unintentionally opens a door, the person standing behind it HAS to grasp the handle with open arms and in doing so take every opportunity that comes their way.

The level-headed teenager will be up against stiff competition in claiming a regular start, but the Stockport born Iniesta will I’m sure make the most of any opportunity, firmly in his stride.

Former Southampton FC superstar and current Sky Sports football pundit Matt Le Tissier believes KDB injury will provide a much-needed platform for Foden to flourish.

“He [Foden] might not be the first choice to take De Bruyne’s position in the big games, but it will certainly enhance his chances of playing time. It’s the perfect time for him to step up,” claimed the former England international.

“I don’t think Pep Guardiola would have any problem with starting him against Huddersfield with there being little danger of them losing that game.

“From what I’ve seen of him so far he has the ability to make the most of the chances he gets. I don’t think there’s too many others out there in his age bracket with the same potential.

“There’s a lot of competition at City, and he’s going to have to fight hard but, in the long term, that will beneficial to him and England because if he does break through, then he is going to have the experience of playing with the best players at the highest level.”

Tiss continued…

“For this stage of his career I’d think he’d want to be getting around 10-12 starts a season, complemented with plenty of substitute appearances and if that happens, he’s clearly at the right club, and under the right manager to progress, that’s for sure.”

Could the next three months be a blessing in disguise for one of the best prospects to emerge from the City’s youth system in years?